Chapter 21

Kevin and Javier arrived at Sam Jennings apartment, knocking and announcing themselves. A moment later the door opened and a tall gentleman appeared . "Can I help you?"

"Sam Jennings? I'm Detective Ryan this is Detective Esposito. We need to ask you a few questions regarding your whereabouts earlier today."

"Sure. Come on in." he stepped aside and allowed the detectives entry. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Well, you tell us. You were a part of a mob of people that were on the corner of 5th avenue and East 61st street today. Want to tell us why?"

"Oh the performance art piece?"

The detectives looked at each other . "performance art?" Javier asked "explain that further."

"Sure. I answered an ad in the paper. Said that the art piece would last around 1 to 2 minutes , and that we could collect our pay at a mailbox store near Lincoln Square."

Kevin cut in. "Do you remember anything else about the ad? Was there a name or phone number?"

"I have it here, hold on I'll find it. No name or number, but I'll be glad to give you the box number I picked the money up from if that helps?" Sam quickly found the newspaper clipping "here you go. They said they had the permit for it, did we do something wrong?"

"No, but a woman was taken during your mob right on that corner. We think the attacker actually set this up to cover the kidnapping. Anything you can tell us will help."

"Did she have blond hair? I saw a woman looking into a shop window. I thought she was a part of the mob but then I noticed she wasn't there when I looked next."

"Yes! Did you see anyone else near her? Someone out of place?" Javier became desperate. He had seen Kat! Maybe this would pan out after all.

"Yes, a man in a baseball cap. He was facing the window too, so I'm sorry I didn't see his face. He was… taller than me. 6'2? I'm so sorry detectives I had no idea we were helping someone commit a crime! I feel horrible, please let me know if I can do anything else." He found the information for the mailbox store and the detectives left on a mission.

While on their way to Lincoln Square, Kevin called Beckett to update her on their progress, and to have her ask Tory to check the street cameras again. This time facing the window of the store the mob was in front of. Maybe they caught a reflection of this man… it was worth a shot anyway.

Undisclosed location

Kat felt her guide stop in front of her, and heard a door open. Then he took her hands again and walked with her into the room. He took off her blindfold and she blinked at the sun streaming in her face. "Where are we?" she turned and asked out loud.

The guide had stayed silent through the trip from the stale smelling room to here, but now he spoke. "Your new quarters. He wants you to enjoy being here." He lowered his voice to a whisper "please tell me someone coming for you." His eyes were sad and pleading . She nodded slightly, she was sure they were being watched . The man turned around and left closing and locking the door behind him. She heard the voice over another loud speaker.

"I hope you enjoy the room. It was never my intent to have you in that dreadful spot. There are fresh clothes in the closet, towels in the bathroom . I wish I could be there to see you in person but I have some things I need to tend to. If you need anything John will be around, just hit the button on the nightstand . I'll see you soon my love." And just like that the voice was gone.

Kat crept around the room, testing the windows – all locked. Not just locked she realized , they were nailed shut. She tried to gauge where she was by looking outside at the scenery, but all she saw was trees. No buildings , so it wasn't in the city. At least it didn't look like it. She sat on the edge of the bed, and tried to come to peace with what was happening. The boys had to be looking for her by now. She realized she hadn't told the detectives how much she cared for them. She had been childish and complained about having to stay cooped up and what happens when she is out on her own?? She gets kidnapped . She should have just stayed at the apartment and been happy that she was safe. She thought about Rick. How much she loved him, about his two red heads and how much she loved being a small part of his family.

She was feeling defeated when "John" came back in the room with another glass of water. "He wants you hydrated." He set the glass on the table and turned to leave again.

"Wait! Why are you helping him. What does he have on you? Please, I need to understand."

"John" didn't turn towards her, he just simply stated "he's blackmailing me. I had to be his front person, or he would kill my family. They have no idea he has them under surveillance, or where I am. They think I left -my marriage, my kids… I haven't seen them in more than a month." He hung his head and exited the room. Kat realized there were so many people counting on her. She had to get out of here, and stop this man. The problem was she had no idea how.